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“Brother?”

William was being jostled from his sleep, and his unconscious mind leapt to the wrong conclusion.

“Elizabeth?” he exclaimed, jumping from the chair to lean over the small figure lying still on the bed. His bloodshot eyes refused to focus for a moment.

“It is I,” Georgiana whispered from behind as she touched his arm. “Elizabeth is unchanged. I apologise for frightening you.”

Finding everything the same, he released a heavy sigh and sank back down into the cushions of the chair, rubbing his eyes before allowing himself to concentrate on his sister. She motioned for them to leave the room and moved towards the door. He stood and followed her into the hall.

“I left Millie with Evan this morning. I want to sit with Elizabeth, if I may.” Her voice was full of regret. “I hurt her, once intentionally and again unknowingly. Please say that I may help.” Her blue eyes swam with tears, and William knew he could not deny her request.

“Of course, you may,” he whispered, pulling her into a hug.

In his embrace, she felt his desperation and slipped her arms around him. Their respite was suddenly interrupted by a strangled cry, and they pulled back to stare at each other in confusion. Suddenly, what was happening penetrated William’s weary mind, and he rushed past her towards Elizabeth, Georgiana right on his heels.

Elizabeth was screaming, crying and lashing out as if she were fighting for her life, though her eyes were closed.

“He killed them! He killed them!” she cried, her face contorted with grief, as her arms lashed out at an invisible enemy.

Though she longed to be of help, Georgiana backed into a corner. With Elizabeth in such turmoil, she feared her presence might cause even more harm.

Elizabeth’s movements brought her perilously close to the edge of the bed, and afraid she might hurt herself further, William immediately reached for her, pulling her squarely back to the middle of the large bed. Her eyes opened and now she lashed out at him.

Sensing that she was in some kind of traumatic stupor, he shouted over her cries. “Elizabeth! You are safe! He is not here! He cannot harm you!”

Still Elizabeth fought, managing to roll free of his grasp and onto the other side of the bed. Before he could catch her, she slipped out of the bed and ran through the unlocked door to the balcony. William was right behind, and Georgiana slipped near the opened doors to watch, fearing she might have to step in at any time. She peered around the curtain as William approached the frightened woman. Seeing Elizabeth’s terrified expression, she began to pray.

Elizabeth slowly stepped backwards until her calves touched the wall surrounding the balcony. Realising that she had reached the end of her escape route, she quickly turned and climbed upon the wall where she balanced precariously on the top rail. William’s heart almost stopped. He knew that if she fell, she would surely die.

“Do not move, Elizabeth!” he ordered in his most commanding voice. “Stand perfectly still.” He took a step towards her, and she began shaking her head, turning it so she did not have to look at him.

“Nooooo!” The plea came out as a sob.

Immediately William stilled and backed away with his hands held up in surrender, the pain of her rejection clearly evident on his face. Georgiana started to move onto the balcony, only to freeze in horror as Elizabeth wobbled and almost fell. William started as though he was going to keep her from falling, but immediately halted as she righted herself.

Feeling she had no choice, Georgiana slipped in between the two, whispering as she passed him, “Will you let me try, Brother?”

Heartbroken, William looked between Georgiana and Elizabeth. “It seems I cannot help.” His voice broke. “Please ...she is in your hands.”

Stoically, he backed up until he stood in the doorway leading to the bedroom. Leaning dejectedly against the frame, he had barely gotten situated before Mrs. Drury, Mrs. Reynolds and two footmen rushed in behind him, hoping to be of assistance. Looking over his shoulder, he motioned them out. They hurriedly retreated to the hallway, while he turned his attention back to Elizabeth.

For a moment, Elizabeth was wild-eyed as she took in the grounds below, then slowly her gaze came up, and she focused on Georgiana. An expression of disbelief crossed her face.

“He ...he killed you ...you and Millie. I remember it all.” She took a ragged breath, seeing something only she could see, before settling her gaze again on William’s sister.

“I saw the count raise the gun, and it went off. You fell!”

Georgiana stopped, realising now why Elizabeth had fainted previously when seeing her with Millie. “I may look like her, but I am not Addie, Elizabeth. I am Georgiana Ingram, Fitzwilliam’s sister.”

“Not Addie?”

“No. It would seem I strongly resemble her, but I am not Millie’s mother.”

Elizabeth said nothing, though she studied her thoughtfully.

“You may remember that we met previously. I was very rude to you at our first meeting. In fact, it was right here on this very balcony. I wanted to apologise sooner, but we were afraid that it might upset you even more, so I waited. Please believe me ...I am here only because I truly want to help you.”

Elizabeth’s face crumpled. “Addie was my friend, and she was only trying to help me. I ...I should never have agreed for her to help me.” She sobbed now, causing her to sway dangerously. William took one step forward. “Poor Addie! Poor Millie!”